Actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, a leading contender to be the next James Bond, has charmed his neighbors with his pond project, credited with restoring birdlife to the area. The Hollywood star and his film director wife Sam faced public resistance over their plans to excavate a sizable lake in the grounds of their historic Somerset home.
However, retrospective permission was granted, and a recent inspection has given the green light for the pond to continue operating with no issues raised. Aerial photos highlight the scale of the pond at the farmhouse, which the couple bought from Grand Designs host Kevin McCleod. Neighbors have noted a surge in bird activity since the ponds were constructed, praising the couple for enhancing biodiversity in the area.
In approving the plans, officials indicated that the proposal will reduce the risk of flooding and deliver a significant net gain in biodiversity across the proposal site and the wider area. The owners are undertaking a project to create new wetland features to alleviate severe flooding to the house and to enhance biodiversity.